Sportradar’s Acquisition of IMG Arena Cleared by UK CMA

One of the biggest sports data deals of the year just got the green light from UK regulators.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially cleared Sportradar’s acquisition of IMG Arena, ending months of investigation and opening the door for the deal to close in Q4 2025. This marks a major milestone in the consolidation of the sports data and streaming space.

With this clearance, Sportradar can now integrate IMG Arena’s vast media and rights distribution portfolio into its market-leading data operation. The combined entity promises deeper partnerships with leagues, sportsbooks, and streaming platforms worldwide.

Let’s break down what this deal means, how it’s structured, and why it could reshape the global sports betting ecosystem.

Key Points:

1. UK CMA clears Sportradar’s $125m IMG Arena acquisition following a public consultation phase.
2. The deal is structured with $125m paid to Sportradar plus $100m cash prepayments to sports rightsholders.
3. The merger positions Sportradar as a dominant force in sports data, betting content, and streaming rights.

Sportradar’s Mega Move: CMA Clears IMG Arena Acquisition, Reshaping the Sports Data Market

As someone who has tracked the rise of sports data suppliers for years, I see this deal as a landmark moment for both Sportradar and the wider sports betting ecosystem.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded its investigation into Sportradar’s anticipated acquisition of IMG Arena, inviting public submissions on issues like market dominance, anti-competitive practices, and regulatory risk. With no substantive objections upheld, the CMA has now greenlit the merger.

The Deal Structure

Interestingly, this is not a straightforward cash purchase. IMG Arena, owned by Endeavour Group, will supply a full financial consideration of $125 million paid to Sportradar, alongside an additional $100 million in prepayments to sports rightsholders. This unusual structure means Sportradar isn’t paying Endeavour directly; rather, it inherits IMG Arena with pre-funded obligations to rights owners.

The transaction, first flagged in Sportradar’s FY24 financial report, is expected to close in Q4 2025, aligning with its forward growth plans. Sportradar’s revenue already reached €1.1 billion ($1.29 billion) in FY24, a 26.1% year-on-year jump, signaling robust capacity for this scale of integration.

Why This Merger Matters

This acquisition could fundamentally change the sports data supply chain. IMG Arena is a powerhouse in media rights, streaming, and integrity services—key pillars that complement Sportradar’s data and analytics dominance. By merging, Sportradar not only gains immediate market share but also deeper integration with sports leagues, broadcasters, and betting operators.

This deal also comes amid broader industry consolidation, where suppliers are racing to create end-to-end ecosystems of data, streaming, and compliance. Sportradar’s move mirrors a similar trend with Genius Sports, which has been rapidly expanding its portfolio.

Beyond the Transaction

What excites me most is the innovation potential. Sportradar recently partnered with Underdog to integrate its AI-driven safer gambling tool Bettor Sense, signaling a commitment to responsible gaming alongside commercial growth. Adding IMG Arena’s assets could accelerate this innovation, embedding safer gambling tools within premium sports content delivery.

From a regulatory standpoint, CMA clearance also sends a message: the UK remains open to major sports data consolidations, provided competition concerns are addressed early. This may encourage other suppliers to pursue similar mergers in Europe.

In my opinion, Sportradar’s acquisition of IMG Arena is more than just another merger—it’s a strategic play to dominate the next decade of sports data and streaming.

By securing CMA clearance, Sportradar has cleared the single biggest regulatory hurdle, paving the way for a Q4 2025 completion. The combined power of Sportradar’s analytics with IMG Arena’s media assets could create a one-stop shop for leagues and sportsbooks alike.

If executed well, this deal could redefine how sports data, live streaming, and betting content intersect—not just in the UK, but worldwide. For me, this is a bold, forward-looking move that cements Sportradar’s position at the top of the industry.

Tags: #Sportradar #IMGArena #CMA #SportsBettingData #GamingIndustry #Acquisition #MarketRegulation

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